Short Summary

Virtually every bar and restaurant in Rome was closed yesterday (15 April) due to a strike by barmen and shopkeepers.

Description

Virtually every bar and restaurant in Rome was closed yesterday (15 April) due to a strike by barmen and shopkeepers. Tobacconists also joined the strike to protest against a new value added tax. The strikers claim that the new tax will add twelve percent to their costs. This could lead to higher prices, which could affect their trade.

The post-Easter strike comes in the wake of a general strike last week to press trade union demands for housing reforms. Meanwhile, piles of undelivered letters in Rome approached the million mark as the city's unions decided to extend Thursday's one day strike by a further 48 hours. The Post Office workers are demanding improved pay and working conditions. In Milan, tourists suffered the effects of a hotel strike that entered its third and last day on Thursday.

In Rome there was some relief for tourists, as hotels kept their bars and restaurants open.